Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or check out the post right here lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.